Investigations into the Nature, Causation, and Prevention of Texas or Southern Cattle Fever Page: 25
301 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 24 cm.View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
THE NATURE OF TEXAS CATTLE FEVER.
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES.
In dwelling upon the pathological changes caused by Texas fever
we have had two objects in view; first, to add as much as possible to
the information already on hand, and, secondly, to furnish such a com-
plete record of the cases in the various experiments that there would
be no room for doubt in the reader's mind that we were dealing with
Texas fever wherever this is claimed to be so. Inasmuch as the causa-
tion or etiology was the essential object of the researches, everything
else had to be subordinated to lines of investigations which endeavored
to get at the causes and the modes of transmission of the malady be-
fore us. The following account, though somewhat meager for this
reason, is given as a description of the nature of the disease we were
dealing with. We may note here that the lesions induced by North
Carolina cattle and those induced by Texas cattle at the same season
were identical in every respect. (See Nos. 74, 80, 82, 107, 128, 129, 139.)
CHANGES IN THE ORGANS AND TISSUES.
Cattle which have succumbed to Texas fever undergo post-mortem
changes very rapidly. This may be largely due to the fact that the
disease occurs in the greatest heat of summer. Hence facts relating to
the appearance of organs and tissues are of doubtful value if the animal
has not been examined soon after death. This occurs as a rule during
the night, and post-inortegi changes are begun when the morning ar-
rives. It is frequently desirable therefore to kill animals in different
stages of the disease to obtain trustworthy facts.
The skin presents nothing abnormal to the unaided eye and, as will
be pointed out later on, certain regions are beset with ticks. In one
case (No. 197) which came to our notice very recently the hair on the
abdomen and the inner aspect of the thighs was matted into little tufts
by dried blood. The skin showed at such places a bluish elevated spot
and when incised a little blood was found in the subcutis. This may
be what has been called blood sweating.
The subcutaneous tissue and fat in our cases were free from any
changes except in three (Nos. 7, 102., and 227), in which they were of a
decidedly yellowish tinge. Jaundice was thus of rare occurrence. In
the report of the Metropolitan Board it is stated that "the fat has a
deep or high colored greenish appearance and has not the firm resist-
ance of health. The lean meat is of a brownish mahogany color and on
being cut into has a peculiar sickening odor." The muscular tissue in
our cases was normal in color or perhaps a trifle paler. (Edema of the
subcutaneous tissue of the ventral aspect of the body was occasionally
present (No. 69) and referable to the debilitated condition of the animal.
The brain was removed in a small number of cases (Nos. 198, 200,
203, and 223) and carefully examined, but no lesions which can be re.25
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Book.
Smith, Theobold & Kilborne, Fred Lucius. Investigations into the Nature, Causation, and Prevention of Texas or Southern Cattle Fever, book, 1893; Washington D.C.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth143538/m1/25/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting University of Texas Health Science Center Libraries.